One of the greatest dangers faced by urban Americans has been fire. As cities grew, the magnitude of destruction from urban fires became even greater. Early departments were comprised of volunteer crews physically pulling wheeled hose carts to the fire scene.
The 1850’s introduced heavier and more efficient steam engines and ladder trucks. Once reluctant firefighters now accepted the need for horse and harness. Thus began the romantic era of the Fire Horse, who through necessity became an integral part of urban fire departments. The age of horse-drawn apparatus breathed an entirely new element into the life of fire departments. Man’s wonderful companion, the horse, was trained to race to fires with almost human wisdom and level-headedness.
At first horses were stabled near the stations. When the alarm sounded, it took valuable time to unlock the barn, fetch the steeds and harness them to the engine. Then as now, speed was essential in fire fighting. It soon became evident that stations required accommodations for their four-legged crew members.
THE HORSES
Not every horse could serve as a fire horse. The animals needed to be strong, swift, agile, obedient and fearless. The fire departments carefully selected their horses. At the scene, they needed to remain calm while firefighters fought the blaze as embers and flames surrounded them. This was the case in all weather conditions and in the midst of a multitude of distractions.
One expert of the time said it was usually a one-in-a-hundred selection. More time and expense was incurred buying one fire horse than the hiring of ten firemen.
Fire horses were most always draft crosses selected for speed and strength. Three classifications created the standard for eligibility. The “lightweight” 1,100 pound horse was used on hose wagons. “Middleweight” 1,400 pound horses were used on the steamers with the “Heavyweight” 1,700 crews pulling hook and ladder trucks.
With an average working life of four or five years, the hard pounding of city streets at high speeds took a heavy toll on these animals. It was a sad day at the fire station when a horse was declared unfit for duty. Many retired fire horses continued to work for their cities in less strenuous positions. Some were put out to pasture, others to auction. It has been said that on occasion these gallant steeds would forget their new roles and charge down the streets hauling a wagon after hearing a fire gong!
THE TRAINING
Once a horse was selected, he was then assigned a station and given a number. This number stayed with him throughout his career, which usually lasted from four to eight years. Upon entering his duty station, he was assigned to a team and given a name. The in-station training took many hours in training stalls, getting used to the quick hitches and the sound and ringing of gongs and regist
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ers. The process was repeated with much praise and reward from the trainer, until graduation day when he was ready to take his place with the team.
THE STALLS
Stalls were typically positioned behind or next to the rigs. The horses were trained to stand in their stalls not tied; with a folding door in front of each which was opened electronically by a man who pushed a button at the sound of an alarm. So well was their training that these horses took their positions on the rig without the assistance of the firefighters.
THE HARNESS
Intricate systems were developed to hasten the harnessing of the fire horse teams. Each horse on duty wore a combination halter/bridle which had a removable bit. The harness hung in the air over the tongues of the wagons and carts. Special hinged collars were made especially for the fire departments. With the speed of pulley mechanisms, the harness and traces were quickly attached to the horses. Once perfected the entire operation from the ringing alarm bell to hooves pounding the street took an amazing 30 seconds.
THE DOGS
Dalmatians have been used throughout history for serious work. In 17th century England, wealthy aristocrats sought the unusual spotted dog for use with their coaches. Their physical strength and endurance made them ideal for running along side carriages. With horse theft common, these dogs protected the team as well as luggage on board.
The dogs were used in the fire service to provide the very same valuable service as did their earlier ancestors. These intelligent creatures were trained to run in front of the engines to help clear a path and guide the horses and firefighters to the fires quickly. While on the scene the dogs would protect the team and equipment from any interference.
The end of the Dalmatian as “coaching dogs” for the fire department came with the advent and introduction of motorized fire equipment. However, they are still on duty in many fire stations today acting as companions to the firefighters as well as good will ambassadors for the cities they serve.
Firefighters took tremendous pride in their companies and the animals with which they shared their lives. The fire horses along with their canine companions were not only part of the fire house, but were a part of the neighborhood as well. Children would often bring treats of apples and sugar cubes in hopes to hitch a ride with the firemen in the exercise wagon and a new litter of puppies often whelped in the very stall with their horse.
For generations, thundering hooves carried firefighters and their equipment to every blaze. The era of the fire horse lasted some fifty years. From the end of the Civil War until the late 1915’s, it seemed the fire horse would remain a vital part of the fire department forever. Many a firefighter objected the replacement of their beloved horses for the new and unreliable motorized vehicles they jokingly referred to as “Hustle Buggy’s.” Inevitably, the reign of the horse ended as engineering improved on the automobile.
Today, as in the past, we stand in awe of the men and women who serve to protect our lives and communities without fail. With gratitude we honor you and your most respected and admired profession.
FIRE HORSE TRIVIA
The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases to the unsuspecting and often sleeping fireman!
Dalmatians not only have spots on their coats, but on their tongues and paws as well.
